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One of the things that I absolutely love about the Madison area is the wide range of spaces for children. We are surrounded by parks, zoos, libraries and museums that cater to young ones, and one of our favourite spots is nearby in Monona.

Monona library has been awarded Wisconsin’s best library 2010, and it truly deserves it. A very modern airy building surrounded by floor to ceiling windows, a great book collection, quiet reading space filled with green plants, and an almost overwhelming children’s section. I love taking Dougie to libraries, they always have a plenty of things to do. Puzzles, toys, and of course lots and lots of books (our current favourites are “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” and “If You Give a Pig a Pancake”). Monona also lets you check out play packs which include a book and accompanying toy or game. An absolutely brilliant idea, we’re saving ours for the two hour long car trip down to Chicago.

As if a fantastic library wasn’t enough, just across the street is this.

A huge fantasy playground, filled with climbing frames, mazes, towers, slides and locally crafted art. We were worried we would lose him in there. Most of it is for older children, but the “tot lot” was perfect. A real child’s wonderland, we will be back very soon, with pack lunches to eat by the lake under the trees.

We’ll be heading down to the Windy city for the next few days visiting family friends, and enjoying a bit of city and country. And plenty of yarn, I’m sure.